We were lucky to catch up with Jacquelyn Fabian recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jacquelyn , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

In February of 2024, I launched my podcast, Unapologetically. This is a platform where people can share stories about ways in which they live their lives authentically: without shame, guilt, or fear. I’ve been a storyteller my entire life. From the time I could pick up a pencil, I was writing stories and sharing them with others. When I became an English teacher, it was enthralling to introduce students to new worlds, characters, people, and experiences that were outside their bubble. I knew there were so many people around me who had incredible stories to tell, stories that would inspire others to live life unapologetically. I had the idea to start a podcast during the pandemic, but I fought voices in my head that told me I wasn’t good or creative enough to embark on this journey. I told myself no one would listen or care. I knew I had to work on battling these voices before I truly dedicated time launching this project. That took time and a lot of therapy, but I finally got there. Once I started sharing my vision with people, it truly started to come alive. People were excited to come on the podcast. I very quickly had to learn how to edit, record, interview, and balance a life that was already very full. This project has been a dream come true. Not only do others get to hear stories from real-life people just like them, but I know this podcast is helping folks realize they aren’t alone.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The Unapologetically Podcast is a platform for storytelling. I officially launched in February of 2024, but it has been on my mind for years. Prior to my current job as a director at a nonprofit, I was a high school English teacher. While difficult, this job gave me so many opportunities to be creative and engage in the arts. When I left the classroom, I felt like I had a lost so much of my identity, particularly that creative side of me. Unapologetically allows me to talk with people–many who I know and quite a few I do not–and listen to their stories and how they were able to overcome their own obstacles and live a life that is authentic to them. I listen to a variety of podcasts, but so many of them center celebrities or influencers; believe me, I am a HUGE fan of those, but sometimes it can be hard to relate. Unapologetically brings a similar interview format to the podcasting world except the stories are from real folks. I am proud to bring these stories to life through this podcast and share with my audience that there are so many opportunities to live your life to the fullest; it is never too late and it certainly doesn’t take a fancy lifestyle to do it. Some episodes that I have been especially proud of have been episodes where my guests have been vulnerable and honest about the tough moments and what it took to overcome them. At the time of this writing, I have 15 episodes out, with 6 more left to publish. Then, I will be taking some time to reflect and work on the social media for the podcast. My goal for the second season, which will be available in September, is to focus even more of the stories–the why behind the drive to live life unapologetically.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal for this podcast is to share real, raw, authentic stories about everyday people. I am so inspired to hear from folks just like me about how they live their lives in their utmost truth. It has allowed me to also be open about my own journey; two episodes I’ve published have been solo episodes. One is focused on leaving the teaching profession and the other is about my mental health journey, especially around my battle with disordered eating. If this podcast can make others feel less alone or empower someone to step into their own truth, then I know I am doing something right.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that I wasn’t allowed to rest. When I began this podcast, I had to navigate how to balance a new relationship, learning how to edit/record/interview/publish, social media advertising, and all the demands of my 9-5. Since the beginning of 2024, I have been nonstop. I finally had to reflect and be truthful to myself that my body was in survival mode. I needed to rest. For many people, resting comes easy; however, due to my background in education, I was used to never putting myself first. I was used to coming into work no matter the circumstances. It has been a painfully difficult habit to break, but I am slowly learning that in order to be my best self and show up for those I love and for the podcast, I have to take time to breathe.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/unapologeticallypodcast?fbclid=PAAaZ4X_G5S34acDVseYw3AO586cLOosgLfpDW5LBKgvDMivc63h6VP6MnT_o_aem_AXTDc6_lP5LAXaeAU8rH437u2wZVx-Y4He0PTVED3u_i7IHEqWGtI3ruSemUFgJbJ4Q
• Instagram: unapologetically_podcast; jacfab21
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelyn-fabian-03720b171

Image Credits
Momoko Fritz @momokofritz